Allergies, or allergic diseases, refer to the immune system’s hypersensitivity to something in one’s environment. Some allergies include hay fever, food allergies, dermatitis, allergic asthma and anaphylaxis. Allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, swelling, rash, runny or stuffy nose, shortness of breath and itchy or plugged ears. Common allergens are pollens, grasses, molds, dust mites and pets. Dr. Lollar has completed a fellowship in rhinology and is a board-certified allergist.
There are several treatment options for people with allergies. The first is avoidance of the offending allergen. Additionally, there are multiple symptomatic treatments with over the counter medicines. Another effective, treatment option is allergen immunotherapy via shots or drops. The idea behind immunotherapy is that by continually introducing an allergen to the patient’s body, they will eventually develop an immunity, curing their allergies.
ENT Center of the Ozarks is not currently offering allergy immunotherapy via shots or drops.
Contact us today at (479) 750-2080 if you experience persisting allergy symptoms.
Hay Fever
Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is inflammation due to airborne allergens. Symptoms are usually concentrated around the face and include runny nose, red itchy eyes and sneezing. Hay fever symptoms typically occur when someone is exposed to pollen or grass seed allergens. In most cases, hay fever is seasonal and only occurs during the spring and summer. Treatment options include over-the-counter medications and immunotherapy.
Medical Therapy
Medical therapy to treat allergies typically takes two forms: subcutaneous immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy. The science behind the two methods is the same – expose the patient to allergens regularly so that the immune system can develop a tolerance. After an average of three to five years of immunotherapy, allergy symptoms begin to disappear. The difference between the two is how they are administered; subcutaneous immunotherapy takes the form of shots and must be administered in a medical clinic, while sublingual immunotherapy involves tablets or droplets for the mouth that can be administered at home.
SLIT (Sublingual Immunotherapy)
Allergy drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment that decreases symptoms by increasing the body’s immunity. The patient drips liquid containing allergens under the tongue and holds it there for one to two minutes before swallowing. This is a more convenient option than allergy shots for many patients because allergy drops can be safely administered at home rather than at the doctor’s office.
Chronic Sinusitis
Sinusitis, also called sinus infection or chronic rhinosinusitis, involves inflammation of the sinus – the small, air-filled pockets in the nose and forehead that produce mucus. It is a condition that interferes with the drainage of mucus and may cause painful buildup, trouble bleeding, nasal drainage or facial swelling. Sinusitis generally flares up during episodes of cold or flu, dental infections or nasal allergies.
Symptoms of sinusitis include a runny nose, reduced sense of smell, pain or tenderness around the sinus area, nasal drainage and headaches. Doctors diagnose sinusitis based on reported symptoms and their duration. Chronic sinusitis is classified as inflammation that persists in one or more of the sinuses even after treatment or for more than twelve weeks; it is generally caused by nasal problems that prevent normal, necessary drainage.
Acute sinusitis can be treated with antibiotics, nasal sprays, steroids, painkillers, nasal washes, antihistamines and decongestant medications. With chronic sinusitis, however, surgery may be necessary to allow the sinuses to drain properly and prevent further infection or inflammation. Two major sinus surgeries are called balloon sinuplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery, both of which expand the sinus area to allow proper drainage.
If left untreated, chronic sinusitis may spread to nearby areas such as the eyes, facial bones, blood and brain. Although sinusitis is more common in adults, children with sinusitis may also have complications. Call us today at (479) 750-2080 if you experience persisting symptoms of sinusitis.
Recurrent Sinusitis
Recurrent sinusitis is defined as recurring bouts of acute sinusitis. This means symptoms last less than 12 weeks but continue to return after days, weeks or months. Recurrent sinusitis can be caused by illnesses like the cold or flu or by abnormalities of the sinuses.